Newark Bears’ future in limbo again

The Newark Bears’ front office appears headed for a vast overhaul for the second time in less than 12 months, according to multiple Atlantic League sources with knowledge of the situation.

The Bears, who filed for bankruptcy last October under former owner Marc Berson, are not in quite the same dire straits this season, according to a source, though it has been confirmed that several front office staff members were laid off Tuesday afternoon.

The team, which is now owned and operated by the Bases Loaded Group, is actively seeking new investors and several potential partners have visited the ballpark in recent weeks, a source said.

“As in every baseball organization, when the season comes to a close, the upcoming year is evaluated,” team president and co-owner Tom Cetnar said. “We look forward to the 2010 season, and, as we did on the field this year, we expect to add new talent to our front office. There are new investors looking to join us as a result of the success of this re-born franchise.”

Despite rumors to the contrary, one high-ranking source said that he expects there to be there to be baseball in Newark again next season, but added that “how it gets there” still needs to be determined.

Cetnar said that the recent hiring of Doc Gooden as a senior vice president is a sign that the team is planning for the future.

“The organization works around the clock in an effort to succeed,” he said.

The Bears finished the season seventh in the eight-team league in average attendance, drawing 2,558 fans per game, and were commonly said to be operating with the highest overhead of any franchise.

The Bases Loaded Group launched a comprehensive “I’m In” marketing campaign and brought in several high-profile entertainment and sports names, including Colin Powell, Patti LaBelle, and Queen Latifah for public appearances.

Queen Latifah and several star professional athletes were part of the 2009 All-Star Games festivities at Bear & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, which drew mixed reviews.

The Bears were a success on the field, finishing with the league’s third-best record and reaching the playoffs for the fourth time in the franchise’s 12-year history. The Patriots defeated the Bears 3-1 in the Freedom Division Championship Series, which concluded Sunday.

The Bears also were hit with a lawsuit earlier this month. It was filed by three teenage fans who were told to leave the ballpark by Cetnar allegedly because they did not stand for the playing of “God Bless America” during a game.

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.

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Mike AshmoreA lifelong resident of the Three Bridges section of Readington, Mike Ashmore is a 2001 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School who began his career covering professional sports two years later. Since then, he's covered countless other teams and events ranging from the Stanley Cup Final to the UFC as a freelancer working in the area. Mike will add to his over 450 games of experience covering the Somerset Patriots by finishing out the season as MyCentralJersey.com's beat writer for the team.E-mail Mike

Ryan DunleavyRyan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.E-mail Ryan